Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

Meet Pat Withers, one of the castle’s favorite, most colorful characters, who came to Highclere as a teenager and never left. As the longest serving staff member at Highclere, she’s worked for three generations of the Carnarvon family.

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Europe

Antoni Gaudí’s Architecture

Step into the mind of Antoni Gaudí, the colorful Barcelona artist whose passion for nature led him to create astounding biomimetic architecture and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Armagnac: Cognac’s Cousin

Join Karine in the fertile Gascony region, where Armagnac is home to France’s oldest brandy. Learn more about this delightful spirit and its ties to the Torshavn venue on our ocean ships.

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At Home at Highclere

Join Karine as she speaks with the Countess of Carnarvon about her new book, At Home at Highclere. Learn about what it is like to live in this stately castle, and its history, delicious food and dedicated staff.

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Baci: the Original Chocolate Kiss

Karine joins Chocolate Master Massimiliano Guidubaldi at the Perugina School of Chocolate to learn to make Baci, Italy’s original chocolate “kiss,” invented on Valentine’s Day in 1922.

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Barcelona’s Palau de la Música

Look beyond Barcelona’s grand icons and you will discover the unusual music venue of Palau de la Música. Join Karine inside this architectural masterpiece and tribute to Catalonia.

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Beneath Naples, Mystery Awaits

Step below the historic streets of Naples into its ancient past. Explore a vast labyrinth where relics from the early Greeks and impressive Roman architecture remain amazingly intact.

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Beyond Venice’s Gondolas

Gondolas are icons of Venice, but countless other boats and people keep this car-free city running smoothly. Join Karine for a glimpse at the city’s diverse water-oriented infrastructure.

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Brettos, Athens Locals & Ouzo

Mix colorful bottles of ouzo and other spirits, oak casks full of brandy and a colorful owner, and you get Brettos, an Athens bar like no other. Join Karine at this local treasure.

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Catch the Fire of Flamenco

Ignite your soul with flamenco, Spain’s most intriguing dance. Gain an insider’s perspective on what drives the artists to deliver their fiery footwork in this centuries-old tradition.

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Churchill’s Britain

Discover the remarkable life and times of revered British statesman Sir Winston Churchill. During this 5-night London extension with Viking, gain Privileged Access to Cabinet War Rooms; visit Churchill’s private Chartwell estate and his birthplace at Blenheim Palace; learn how the British broke the Nazis’ secret code at Bletchley Park and much more.

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Cooking with Karine: A Real Contessa

In her centuries-old Palazzo Tiepolo on the Grand Canal, Contessa Lelia Passi teaches Karine to make risi e bisi, a risotto of rice and peas.

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Croatian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Croatian words and phrases with Ivana, your Viking tutor. Živjeli!

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Discover Barcelona

From the passion of flamenco to the genius of Gaudí, Barcelona is a city of grand statements. Join Karine to uncover its vibrant cultural and architectural treasures.

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Discover Copenhagen

Journey by water and over land to learn about Copenhagen’s must-see sights from the colorful Nyhavn (New Harbor) to Amalienborg Palace, the winter home of the Danish royal family, Carlsberg Brewery and more.

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Discover Dubrovnik

Croatia’s crystal clear waters have attracted travelers for centuries. But this pristine coast is also known for a shining gem: Dubrovnik, the remarkably preserved medieval walled city.

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Discover Istanbul

Istanbul is the ultimate enigma. A bridge between Europe and Asia, it has drawn from both for centuries. Join Karine as she explores this fascinating and colorful tapestry of cultures.

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Discover Italy’s Magnificent Formal Gardens

Join Karine as she explores several exquisite Italian gardens, where contours and textures, order and nature, mingle in the midst of verdant beauty.

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Discover Venice

Whether you are interested in art, architecture, music or history, romantic Venice has it all. Once the center of the cultured Venetian Republic, it retains an unrivaled old-world charm.

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Dubrovnik Oysters

In the pristine waters off the coast of Croatia, just outside Dubrovnik, Karine introduces you to Pero Sare and his family-run oyster farm.

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Dutch Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Dutch words and phrases with Johan, your Viking tutor. Proost!

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Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Step inside the iconic British estates well known to PBS viewers, including Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey”; Wolf Hall’s Broughton Castle; and Chavenage House, better known as Trenwith in Poldark. Beyond these impressive homes, learn the story behind the legendary Bombay Sapphire gin at its historic distillery.

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Explore Chavenage House, the home from the PBS series “Poldark”

The friendly, very personable, longtime owners of Chavenage House, welcome you into this quintessential English estate, tucked away in the picturesque Cotswolds.

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Follow in the Path of the Vikings on Scotland’s Orkney Islands

The Vikings ruled these rugged landscapes from the 9th to 13th century. Join Karine and learn more about their presence, as well as other Neolithic civilizations that date back 5,000 years.

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Franciscan Monastery

A testament to the city’s heritage, Dubrovnik’s fascinating Franciscan Monastery is home to one of the oldest pharmacies in the world and one of the most valued libraries in Croatia.

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French Language Lesson

Learn a few useful French words and phrases with Maaike, your Viking tutor. À votre Santé!

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Fresh Pasta: Fast, Fun and Easy!

Venture into the Tuscan countryside to learn the art of making fresh pasta. Under the watchful eye of a delightful Italian mama, Karine learns the secrets of this Italian favorite.

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German Language Lesson

Learn a few useful German words and phrases with Rebecca, your Viking tutor. Prost!

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Hammam: A Traditional Turkish Bath

Step into a world of relaxation designed to soothe body and mind. Explore this much-loved aspect of Turkish culture that has been a favored therapy since the days of the Ottoman Empire.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Join Karine to meet one of the longest serving residents on the Highclere Castle estate. And join them on a journey of joy and firsts, taking delight in the smaller things in life.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper

Join Karine and Finse as they explore the world of bees with Mike Withers, a thirty-year member of the Highclere staff, whose passion for these hard-working, misunderstood insects spans 60 years.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

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Highclere Castle

Join Karine at the “real Downton Abbey,” the historic and renowned Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

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Inside Italy’s Coffee Culture

If you cannot tell your macchiato from your espresso corto or you do not know why you should drink your coffee standing, join Karine and friends to explore Italy’s thriving coffee culture.

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Inside the “Blue Mosque”

Join Karine for a tour of the landmark 17th-century Sultan Ahmed Mosque, often called the “Blue Mosque,” one of the world’s most famous places of worship.

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Istanbul’s Mysterious Basilica Cistern

Hidden beneath the streets of Istanbul is the hauntingly beautiful Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century relic. Step into its shadowy depths with Karine to explore its many secrets.

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Italian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Italian words and phrases with Elena, your Viking tutor. Salute!

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Italy’s Fabled Vespa Scooter

As iconic as Rome’s Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy’s fabled Vespa is central to Italy’s cultural identity. Learn the history of this perennial Italian motor scooter.

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Jewish Museum

Designed by New York architect Daniel Libeskind, Berlin’s compelling Jewish Museum provides an unforgettable journey through Jewish culture and a rich chronicle of memory and hope.

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Karine Cooks: Risotto at Lake Como, Italy

Learn how Italians prepare their delicious risotto con funghi porcini and the bubbly addition that gives this particular version a delightfully unique taste.

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Love and Drama at the Acropolis

Every culture has its tale of fated lovers. In Greece, it is Mimikos and Mary, whose romance took an unexpected turn in the shadow of the Acropolis, a story that shook Greek society.

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Malta's Marsovin Winery

Join Karine Hagen at the Marsovin estate in Malta to learn about the winery's rare vintages and inspiring story with CEO and fourth-generation vintner, Jeremy Cassar. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Maltese wine so unique and discover how Jeremy has helped Marsovin achieve recognition on an international scale.

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Montserrat: Catalonia’s Spiritual Treasure

Ascend into Spain’s rugged mountains and enter the sacred world of Montserrat Abbey. Meet a Benedictine monk who shares his knowledge of the monastery’s religious and cultural significance.

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Northern Italy Treasures: Verona & Lake Como

Just beyond majestic Venice is a slice of Italy many people never see. Join Karine as she explores Verona’s architectural landmarks, along with Lake Como’s inspiring panoramas and quaint villages.

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Opening Doors to Armagnac Cellars

Go behind closed doors in Gascony with Karine to learn the essential steps involved in the creation of Armagnac, a process that dates back to the 14th century.

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Pisa’s Leaning Tower: A Galileo Laboratory?

Climb up this iconic landmark with Karine and learn about the bell tower’s intriguing history, including the legend of Galileo and his test of a key hypothesis from the top of this slanted structure.

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Portuguese Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Portuguese words and phrases with Maria, your Viking tutor. Saúde!

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Restoring Michelangelo’s David

Get closer to Michelangelo’s towering David, a masterpiece both revered and reviled by Florentine citizens over the centuries. Join Karine in Galleria dell'Accademia as she meets the woman behind the restoration of this remarkable sculpture.

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Shakespeare & Co.

Peruse this literary haven in Paris, a favorite of book lovers and renowned authors since 1919. Browse its stacks and learn about the “tumbleweeds” who work and reside here.

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Shetlands! The World’s Favorite Ponies

Join Karine as she gets up close and personal with the iconic little horses that call the rugged Shetland Islands home.

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Spain’s Civil War

Join Karine for a look at the Spanish Civil War. Lasting three years, it pulled Italy, Germany, the Soviet Union and luminaries like George Orwell and Ernest Hemingway into the fight.

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Tapas: The Creative Taste of Spain

Barcelona chef Oscar Manresa shares the city's most loved tapas with Karine and explains how this Spanish creation became an inseparable part of Spain's culture and social scene.

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The Amalfi Coast’s Tasty Limoncello

This tangy liqueur has long been one of Italy’s favorite after-dinner drinks. Join Karine to discover how simple it is to make this refreshing and iconic Sorrento digestif at home.

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The Berlin Airlift

Go behind the scenes at Tempelhof Airport, long closed to visitors, and learn about the famed “Raisin Bombers” and their role during the historic Berlin Airlift, the largest in history.

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The Fundamentals of Wine

Join world-renowned Master of Wine Susie Barrie and Karine to learn about the fundamentals of enjoying fine wine, from opening and pouring to decanting and storing.

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The Origins of Opera

What has made opera such a popular and enduring art form? Join Karine as she takes you behind the scenes of this distinctly Italian creation at its source—the opera houses of Italy.

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The Proud People of Catalonia

For centuries, the people of Catalonia have pursued independence. Follow their search for this elusive goal and learn about the determination of Catalans to keep their culture alive.

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The Queen of Smørrebrød

Taste Denmark’s famous open-faced sandwich and perhaps try Hans Christian Andersen’s favorite variety. Watch as Copenhagen’s celebrity chef Ida Davidsen prepares these delicious treats.

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The Venetian Lagoon

Follow Karine as she explores the fascinating Venice Lagoon, stopping to visit Torcello, San Giorgio Maggiori, Sant’ Erasmo, Burano, Lazzaretto Nuovo and Murano.

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Traditional Olive Oil from Croatia

Join Karine in the tiny village of Orašac, Croatia, as she learns centuries-old techniques to make organic extra virgin olive oil at a 250-year-old mill, a living museum.

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Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes

The semazens (whirling dervishes) from the Mevlevi Order complete as many as 2,000 turns in a ceremony named by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

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Turkish Carpets

Learn about the tradition of Turkish carpets with roots stretching back to the Ottoman Empire. These handmade masterpieces have played an important role in Turkish life for centuries.

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Turkish Delights

Known as the milk of artists, chess players and thinkers, Turkish coffee was a favorite of Ottoman royals. Still popular today, its unique brewing method produces a delicious aroma.

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Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Uncover the fascinating history behind the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter and George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, and get an exclusive look at Highclere Castle’s collection of Egyptian relics.

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Venice’s Most Unusual Bookstore

Join Karine at Libreria Acqua Alta, a Venetian hidden treasure. This extraordinary shop is run by the charismatic Luigi Frizzo, who believes that books “make your soul come alive.”

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Vesuvius: Italy’s Slumbering Giant

Explore the history of the notorious Mt. Vesuvius with Karine, from its myths and folklore to the part the volcano played (or did not play!) in the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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Visit Oxford & Highclere Castle

Travel with Viking to the hallowed halls of the University of Oxford, historic Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey,” grand Blenheim Palace and the fabled villages of the Cotswolds.

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World War II Danish Heroes

One of the most inspiring stories of World War II heroism is one few people know. Learn how Danish fishermen risked everything to help Denmark’s Jewish citizens escape the Nazis.

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Wrap yourself in nature at Croatia’s Krka Falls

Join Karine and Finse as they explore the lush, wooded landscape trail that leads to the vivid cascades and azure waters of the impressive Krka Falls.

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Asia

Invitation from Karine Hagen: Exclusive-to-Viking China Voyages

Discover our new China voyages, which provide Viking guests with exclusive access to seldom-seen ports, and learn more about our deep experience bringing travelers to this captivating nation.

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Discovering Exclusive-to-Viking China Voyages

Join Viking Vice President of Product Development Joost Ouendag for an in-depth overview of our new coastal China voyages and learn how you can have the unique opportunity to be immersed in the history, culture and natural wonders of the Middle Kingdom.

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